Election links: A debate over the meaning of “livability” in Alexandria

Alexandria mayoral candidates have different visions of “livability,” Montgomery County progressives gamble on rookie candidate, the debate over the tipped minimum wage rages on in DC, and more in our election link roundup. Want to stay on top of our 2018 election coverage? Sign up for our weekly newsletter!

A debate over the meaning of “livability” in Alexandria
Alexandria Mayor Allison Silberberg is campaigning for reelection as a champion for a “livable” Alexandria. This appears to mean responsive and thorough constituent services, relatively open council meetings that prioritizes constituent commentary, sweating design details large and small, and generally being anti-development. Vice Mayor Justin Wilson is challenging Silberberg with a platform of delivering “first-rate transit and internet connectivity, a pool of well-educated workers, [and] bike and pedestrian infrastructure.” (Andrew Beaujon / Washingtonian)

Tepid on gondola
The Arlington Gondola was raised at a recent debate between the two candidates for the Democratic nomination for Arlington County Board. Matt de Ferranti seemed to be skeptical of the potential value of any gondola connecting Rosslyn with Georgetown. Chanda Choun was skeptical as well, but seemed more open to the idea. The winner of the primary will face John Vihstadt who won in 2014 in part by campaigning against major capital projects then under consideration, like the Columbia Pike streetcar. (Scott McCaffrey / InsideNova)

Friedman airs a gun control ad in bid to oust Comstock
Virginia’s 10th Congressional District hopeful Alison Friedman aired a television spot about gun control and school safety. Friedman promises to fight for expanded background checks, closing gun show loopholes, and banning assault weapons. She accuses Congresswoman Barbara Comstock as having sold “our kids’ safety to the NRA.” Comstock has an “A” rating from the NRA and receives more campaign donations from the lobby than all but nine other House members. (Jenna Portnoy / Post)

Four incumbents added to the Apple ballot
The Montgomery County Education Association, which represents 14,000 teachers and specialists, added four incumbents to its “Apple ballot” of political endorsements. Council President Hans Riemer (D-At Large), Vice President Nancy Navarro (D-District 4) and council members Craig Rice (D-District 2) and Tom Hucker (D-District 5) each received endorsements from the Montgomery County teachers union. The union has not yet made a decision on the county executive race. (Jennifer Barrios / Post)

Running on redemption
Calvin Hawkins, a longtime employee of Prince George’s County and advisor to County Executives Rushern Baker and Wayne Curry, is running on a redemption story. Hawkins was convicted of armed robbery many years ago and spent six years in prison. He claims that the robberies were a result of his brief addiction to cocaine. Far more troubling is the allegation of sexual harassment against Hawkins. The woman accusing Hawkins of harassment claims that he has not apologized and has tried to “sweep the whole thing under the rug.” (Rachel Chason / Post)

Hitting the pavement with a very good boy
Jordan Cooper, a Democratic candidate for the Maryland House of Delegates in District 16 (Bethesda), campaigns with his dog, Jasper. Many residents reportedly ask Cooper whether he supports a 300-unit development in the area. Cooper says no, while Jasper’s views on the development remain unknown at this time. That said, when asked about the prospects of keeping housing prices in check while opposing development, Jasper responded “rough” (I’m so sorry). (Meghan Thompson / Maryland Matters)

Montgomery County progressives gamble on rookie candidate
First-time candidate Ben Shnider has garnered backing from an impressive list of progressive organizations. Yet he is taking on a liberal incumbent, Sidney Katz, for a position in which incumbents almost never lose. Katz is thought to have run afoul of progressive groups for failing to support a “clean” increase to a $15 minimum wage. If Shnider defeats Katz or comes close, progressives will prove their strength. If Shnider does not outperform expectations, these groups could be seen as weak. (Adam Pagnucco / Seventh State)

NARAL endorses Madaleno
NARAL Pro-Choice Maryland endorsed Rich Madaleno in the Democratic gubernatorial primary, citing his 100% rating on their questionnaire and his record of having delivered legislative gains including protecting Planned Parenthood funding, making feminine products available to homeless girls and women, expanding services to victims of sexual assault, and ensuring insurance coverage in Maryland for prescription contraception. Four other candidates — Jealous, Ross, Shea, and Vignarajah — also received 100% ratings by MD NARAL. Baker and Kamenentz did not complete the survey. (David Lublin / Seventh State)

The battle over tipped minimum wage rages on in DC
While Initiative 77 will be on the ballot during the Democratic primary, all registered DC voters will be able to vote on the issue. If 77 passes, the tipped minimum wage will rise in increments until it equals the general minimum wage in 2026. The general minimum wage will be $15 an hour by 2020. If 77 doesn’t pass, the tipped minimum wage will increase incrementally to $5 in 2020. Employers and many restaurant workers are strongly against the initiative, worrying about prices, the viability of many restaurants, and lower pay. Proponents believe that ending tipped minimum wage will not necessarily end tipping, will cut down on sexual harassment, and will provide more wage stability. Data from states that have ended tipped minimum wage support points raised by both sides. Polling suggests that 77 will pass. (Laura Hayes / City Paper)

Chad Hughes is a student at NYU Law. He previously worked for a private-sector think tank serving chief information officers of large organizations and studied economics and public policy at the University of Chicago. He is interested in all things cities, particularly housing and public transportation.